The Outer Banks of North Carolina
About the OBX

The Outer Banks, North Carolina is a thin strip of land on the Atlantic Ocean near the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.  The Outer Banks were the first North American land reached by English explorers.

The Outer Banks has a council-manager form of government. It is governed by an elected Mayor and eight-member City Council, who meet on a weekly basis. Day-to-day operations are overseen by the appointed City Manager.  

COMMUNITY RESOURCES
In addition to carrying out public works projects and enforcing local ordinances, the Outer Banks provides a variety of community services.  The city owns and maintains a number of parks and playgrounds.  The city also operates two senior centers, and provides counseling services for youth and families.

National Response Center
(800) 424-8802
Report hazardous chemical or oil spills to this center.

Hotline Crisis Intervention Center
The Outer Banks Hotline
Hwy 64 and Amadas St.  Manteo, NC 27954
Hotline Crisis: 252-473-3366
Office: 252-473-5121
The Outer Banks Hotline offers confidential counseling and information for any crisis. This nonprofit organization also operates a shelter for battered women and their children.

Poison Control Center
Duke University 
(800) 672-1697
This is a 24-hour emergency hotline.

ANIMAL SHELTERS AND SERVICES
Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Manteo and Hatteras Island all have established veterinary clinics. Most of the vets rotate an around-the-clock emergency service. Some also care for horses, exotic pets, sea mammals, wild birds and farm animals.

CANINE The Outer Banks also has two organizations established as "no kill" shelters for lost or stray cats and dogs. Canine Hope Animal Rescue, Inc MARRIAGE INFORMATION  A marriage license can be obtained at the Dare County Register of Deeds Office located in the Dare County Courthouse at 300 Queen Elizabeth Street in Manteo (252) 473-3438; at the Currituck County offices on the Currituck mainland (252) 232-3297 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm); or at the Hyde County Register of Deeds office in Swan Quarter (for Ocracoke weddings) at (252) 926-3011. Requirements For North Carolina Marriage License are: 1. Marriage License: a) Must be obtained from the register of deeds office. If the applicant is under 21, a birth certificate is required, and if the applicant has been divorced, proof of agreement is required. Applicants must also bring their Social Security Card or written proof of their Social Security number. No waiting period is required before the ceremony may take place. The license is good for 60 days after it is issued. b) In general, one must be 18 years of age to be married in North Carolina. Minors between 16 and 18 may marry with their parents or guardians consent. If a female between 12 and 16 becomes pregnant, she and the child's father may legally marry if her parents or guardians consent. A physicians certificate is required to verify the pregnancy.

Multi-Purpose Center Fessenden Center 46830 Hwy 12 PO Box 859 Buxton, NC 27920 office: 252-475-5650 fax: 252-995-3944	Older Adult Services Thomas Baum Senior Center 300 Mustian St Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 PO Box 1000 Manteo, NC 27954 office: 252-475-5635 office: 252-475-5638 fax: 252-441-5600 This department serves the needs of older adults 55 and over and their families.
Gem Adult Day Services, Inc 2033 Elizabeth City Street Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 252-480-3354 Gem Day Services
Friends of Youth 211 Budleigh St Manteo, NC 27954 office: 252-475-5753 fax: 252-475-5754 Serves at-risk youth, ages 6-17, in need of an adult mentor and friend.	Youth Services Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County 2400 N Croatan Hwy Suite D PO Box 2537 Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 office: 252-441-0614 fax: 252-441-3580

POLICE
Policing in The Outer Banks is mainly done by the local police departments. County-owned parks are also patrolled by Park Police.

Emergencies 911

Hatteras Village (252) 995-6111 (252) 995-4412 Kill Devil Hills (252) 480-4020

Kitty Hawk (252) 261-3895 (252) 473-3444 Manteo (252) 473-2069

Nags Head (252) 441-6386 Southern Shores (252) 261-3331

FIRE and RESCUE